Report Cost Effective Municipal Government

The Northumberland Chief Administrative Officers' (CAOs) Committee is an assembly of CAOs from the seven municipalities of Northumberland County, along with the County CAO. This committee has produced an informational report on approaches to achieve more cost-effective municipal government across Northumberland County.

Background

On October 16, 2013, County Council requested that the CAO Committee prepare a report about opportunities to more effectively address common challenges facing the seven municipalities of Northumberland County.

With a limited tax base and rising inflation, municipalities are experiencing financial constraints at a time where requirements are mounting for investments in infrastructure and service delivery. In recognition of there being only 'one taxpayer' in the County, Council requested that this report consider a range of opportunities for achieving efficiencies, including service-sharing and service delivery alternatives.

The Report

This report contains five conclusions designed to focus collaboration amongst the municipalities and County. It also outlines a significant number of collaborative service activities that are either already underway between some or all municipalities/the County, or are currently being explored. These services are broad in scope, ranging from administrative and support activities to front-line operational services.

The CAO Committee provided a progress report to Council in October 2014, and will be presenting further progress updates on an annual basis.

2015 Progress Report

On October 21, 2015 the CAO Committee provided the 2015 Progress Report to Council. Noted in this report were nine priority areas for 2015/2016 including: